Heartland Queens of Owerri etched their names into the history books on Wednesday after a dramatic 2-1 victory over FC Robo Queens in the semi-finals of the President Federation Cup in Benin City, securing a maiden appearance in the prestigious final.
The Obi Ogbala-led side delivered a performance full of determination, grit and attacking flair to become the first team from Nigeria’s South-East zone to reach the final of the women’s FA Cup competition.
Striker Oluebube Umejiaku powered home a superb header to put the Owerri based-side in front in the 18th minute.
FC Robo Queens emerged from the interval with renewed energy and were rewarded early in the second half when Tosin Rafiu restored parity for the Lagos side with a well-taken equaliser, setting up a tense and fiercely contested battle for a place in the final.
With the extra time looming, Heartland Queens found their breakthrough in spectacular fashion in the 87th minute as defender Faith Samson timed her run perfectly to meet a corner kick from Chizoba Johnson thereby sending the Heartland bench and travelling supporters into wild celebrations.
The late strike proved decisive as Heartland Queens expertly managed the closing minutes, frustrating every attempt by FC Robo Queens to force another equaliser.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa Amazons are through to their second consecutive FA Cup final after a hard fought 2-1 win over Sunshine Queens at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Standout forward Roseline Ayatsea put the Amazons in front in the 18th minute as the team held on to the lead until the 90+3 minutes of additional time when Jumoke Alani equalized.
It took a matter of seconds for Roseline Ayatsea to grab a brace in the 94th minute which eventually sent Nasarawa Amazon to the final.
Heartland Queens and Nasarawa Amazons will now meet in the final scheduled for July 11 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
